Last Wednesday I attended a Strategic Planning Session in Kansas City for the EESF and want to share that the future for the foundation and its supporters is exciting. I must admit that being part of the foundation for so many years it can be difficult to see the forest through the trees but with the help of strategic planner Mary Birch and some passionate board members we were able to understand that we’re not the only nonprofit organization going through changes and that these are necessary in order to continue to accomplish the mission of the foundation. It’s not going to be easy but I promise we’re going to get there and with the help of some very passionate people including the staff at the EESF. I’ll talk more about this as the plan starts to unfold and am truly honored to be part of the process.

The show is complete, the video and audio posted but there's an issue with wordpress that looks like it's going to require the assistance from someone smarter than I to decode it. Of all the things I need to get done today, debugging this website is not one of them.

It's good to be back after a few weeks, I missed you guys and gals. I also appreciate all the emails I received of support from so many of you letting me know much you enjoy the show each week and that you've missed it. I heard from not only those of you in the US but in the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Now that to me is pretty cool to know that the show reaches such a large audience worldwide. I'll talk a little more about what I've been up to which I hope will help set many of your minds at ease. We've got a $100 Visa Gift Card we're giving away today and have a ton of content to get through so grab a cup of joe or beverage of your choice and enjoy.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me as I’ve been traveling more than I’ve been in the past. I have a lot of respect for those of you who do this pretty much non-stop throughout the year. It really takes a lot out of you. I was out yesterday so that means, in addition to the reports I have to complete today relating to my field trip I also have to play catch up. Meaning this time spent on the show needs to be redirected on the stuff that pays my mortgage. I’ll be back next week with a fresh show and prize pack giveaway. Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Back from the Northwoods of Wisconsin and a short getaway with family I wish today I was still there. Having audio/video issues for some reason so no recorded part of the show today. Thanks to everyone who reached out regarding the video with the woman falling into the elevator. Bob I got your voicemail and thank you for clarifying that the two workers at the top didn’t know what to do, how to turn the escalator off. This is truly terrible as everyone should know there’s a stop button at the top and bottom of the units. More accidents in China are linked below as well as other escalator accidents. It’s like the flood gates opened. Feel free to share.

I’m certain most of you have seen the video of the woman who fell into the top of the escalator as she pushed her child out of harms way but if you haven’t I’m warning you it’s one of the worst video’s I’ve ever seen, one that I plan not to watch again. It really has me thinking how could something like that happen and I don’t mean to speculate on what caused the accident but as we all know when equipment isn’t installed, maintained or inspected regularly this kind of accident is more likely to happen. Another accident in China has graphic photos of a young toddler who has his/her arm actually stuck under the comb teeth. The article indicates the toddler tripped and fell but this baby doesn’t look like it can even walk. I’d like nothing more than to never link another article like either of these again and hope that steps are taken to improve upon safety as well as educating the general public on the importance of riding escalators, elevators and moving walkways safely.
Special thanks to the companies who have donated goodies to the prize pack giveaway!C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, The National Association of Elevator Contractors, The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Peelle, GAL, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorGear.com, ElevatorShack.com, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, Elevator Cab Renovations, The Elevator Preservation Blog, ECS Corporation, Parts Specialists, Elevatormanstories.com, CodeDataPlate.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing

I realized something last night while watching the ten o’clock news which I typically don’t tune into and that it really sucks. Each of the stories they covered lacked any depth or consistency in having a clear picture of what the story was about. It’s been awhile since I last the news and I remember why. The way news is covered here in the USA is truly a disgrace and I have little respect for it. When ratings overrule common sense and sensationalism what’s the point. It had me thinking about this show and how it started and where it is today. Maybe I’m tired, maybe it’s starting to sink in that the news I report on every week is already being delivered to your inbox each day so what’s the point. I guess this is a question I need to answer for myself is how this show can provide some different content that is worthy of your time each week. This is something I’m going to be working on as soon as I have some more free time. As always I appreciate all of you who watch, listen, provide feedback each week. I do believe that how we share the information and opinions makes a difference in making our industry a safer one. If you have any suggestions in improving the show I’d love to hear them.

Seems like forever and a day since I’ve done the show but in reality it’s only been two weeks. Why does time sometimes feel like it passes so quickly as well as feel as if it drags both at the same time? I must say it was an action packed two weeks which included the celebration of July 4th the US Independence day, which I hope everyone enjoyed. A recap of the Elevator U conference will happen today and I personally thank everyone who attended and supported that event.

It’s a prize pack give away show everyone so listen to the end of the show to find out if you’re this month’s winner! It’s good to be back albeit a bit early for me. I wish this show wasn’t the kind I was doing. Word on the street is that two mechanics were killed, in different cities, while working in the field. What’s scary is this seems to be the third or fourth article that’s made it into mainstream news. Be safe out there no matter how you’re involved in the industry.

On a lighter note I attended the IAEC Forum last week in Nashville, great job on putting together a really enjoyable event. I really enjoyed talking with so many of you during our dinner and lunches. I learned a lot and will share a bit with you on my trip. And finally thanks to all who donated to the prize pack giveaway. Without you we’d not have a box to send out each month.

Still under the weather and when I can sleep I'm taking full advantage of it. I'll be attending the IAEC Forum next week in Nashville, TN and am looking forward to seeing many of you there. For those of you attending have safe travels and remember to wash your hands. Should be back in two weeks pending any turn of events to my health or schedule.
On a side note there are two events I wanted to remind everyone about. The first is the CEA Night At The Races tomorrow night (5/14/15) and the Elevator U Conference that's fast approaching in June. Click on the links for more information.

If you're driving around this weekend, (4/25- 4/26) turn your radio on to your local NPR station and you might just get to listen to a fun interview I had with Kara Miller, Host and Executive Director of Innovation Hub.
In Boston it will be on at 10 am and around the country at various other times throughout the weekend. If you miss it don't worry, simply click on the blog post or various audio links below. It's truly a fun program and I encourage you to subscribe to their podcast for future segments.

Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #397 - Week 04/22/15
A much better show this week with all the technical difficulties taken care of and with the disturbing news from the last two shows it’s nice to produce one with some more upbeat topics. Next week we will be giving away our prize pack so get your email address added to the subscribe list so you’re eligible to win. Remember no purchase necessary to enter, void where prohibited and all that good stuff. For those who are finishing up at the NAEC Spring Conference in Hawaii, I hope you had a great time and learned a lot.

***No Audio/Video Show Today*** Technical Difficulties i.e. Windows Update Last Night SNAFU'd Computer*** Show notes below, add your own colorful commentary as you click through them all.
It’s a much better show content wise as it applies to injuries or accidents compared to last week which is good. One article actually talks about using harnesses with a leash for kids in Malaysia after last week’s accident involving a six year old that was pulled over the side and fell five stories to her death. Let me make this perfectly clear, a leash and harness is the worst thing possible when riding an escalator. One of the golden rules of riding escalators is to make sure you have no loose fitting clothing or untied shoe laces before getting on. If the leash was accidently dropped it might get caught in the moving equipment. This goes for elevators as well as we’ve seen video footage of dogs almost being strangled as they dart out of the elevators as the doors close, with the owner holding the other end. The elevator takes off, the dog get’s pulled up to the hallway ceiling. It’s a terrible image and one that we wouldn’t want to see happen to a child, not that it’s likely but still. So let me state this again, no child harnesses or leashes on elevators or escalators. This is common sense, however sometimes it’s not thought all the way through.

Audio Link: Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #396 - Week 04/08/15
One fatality involving an elevator mechanic in Indiana and another injured in Texas have this week’s show one of the worst ones I’ve had to do in a while. In addition to these articles another one from NJ reported that an inspector also was injured after falling down an elevator shaft but the icing on the cake which made me sick was watching a little girl play at the top of a downward traveling escalator and being pulled over the side. Parents, always watch your children at malls and anywhere for that matter. Never let them play around escalators or elevators they are not amusement rides. For the proper way to ride elevators and escalators visit the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation at www.eesf.org.

Audio Link: Elevator Radio Show - Video/Audio Show #395 - Week 04/01/15
Payavator, the world’s first pay per elevator use service is celebrating its second anniversary. Founder Dewey Cheatum admits that the service has not yet caught on in North America and that pending litigation from Accessibility Groups most likely is the number one contributing factor. Cheatum however notes that the products current push into China has yielded some positive growth because they have no laws that help those requiring increased building accessibility as we do here in the United States. Other plans currently being worked on by Cheatum include; A Frequent Rider Program which will measure the vertical miles traveled each month and year, a first class standing section closer to the doors and with more space, complimentary beverage service and early boarding.